Childs Play Nursery School Ltd

31 St Matthews Avenue, Surbiton KT6 6JQ
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Top 20 award
10 35 Reviews
  • Childs Play Nursery School Ltd, Surbiton
Child’s Play Nursery is based on the ground floor of a large Victorian house in a residential area of Surbiton.

The setting provides early years care and education to children aged between two and five years and supports those with special educational needs, disabilities and children who are learning English as an additional language.

Children have access to two separate gardens, each containing different opportunities for exploration, challenge and fun.

The well qualified dedicated team of staff are passionate about ensuring their key children are happy, meeting milestones, enjoying challenges and learning to work together.

Children are offered nutritionally balanced, fresh meals, cooked daily by the on-site chef who goes to great lengths to meet children's individual dietary requirements and personal preferences.

The nursery was rated as Outstanding by Ofsted on 18/11/10 and 8/4/16 and 14/2/20
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Owner

  • Melanie Fynn
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Melanie Fynn (Owner/Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 7

Total Places for Children

  • 20

Age Range

  • from 2 years 0 months
  • to 4 years 11 months

Funding & Fees

  • £80.00 per day

  • Fees increase annually each April

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays, 1 week between Christmas & New Year & 1 week at the end of August

Parking

  • On street parking readily available

Childs Play Nursery School Ltd Reviews (35)

10

Childs Play Nursery School Ltd has a Review Score of 10 (9.994) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Childs Play Nursery School Ltd has 35 reviews.

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Total of 35, showing 21-35
Review from Sarah A (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is very special and has become part of our family. Both our children have attended for 4 days per week from two years old until they started school and it is outstanding in all aspects. The staff are amazing and nothing is too much trouble. My children talk of it so fondly and have come
away with many special memories and been ahead in their development and readiness for school by the time they started school. I recommend this nursery to everyone in the area and will continue to do so. They have also adapted so well to recent Covid circumstances and made parents and children feel very safe. Don't hesitate!
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Review from Amanda V (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thank you Childs Play Nursery for being our children’s second family. We will miss your genius and your kindness. Our children both had such a good experience with you, 6 years between they each attended. Thank you for all the magical little ways you got my son in the door each morning, for the beautiful
garden spaces, for the tea parties, and for teaching and observing them on their Early Years journey. Love and thanks from all of us.
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Review from Joanna B (Mother of Child) published on 11 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic. Only word for Childs Play Nusery. My children had the best start here and could not have been happier. My son used to cry about coming home! Clean, stable, engaging, homely, they adapt their style to suit your child. My two that attended were very different characters but both equally well
cared for and happy. Not for one second did I ever worry about leaving my child with them. I wish they were a school that went on and on. My children would have happily attended forever. Nonetheless, sadly the time came to leave but with us, we take many wonderful memories, excellent table manners that I can take no credit for and a pair of well-spoken children with tummies full of the chef’s wonderful lunches. I have no affiliation to this nursery other than as a parent who used them and I really cannot recommend them any more highly than I do. Visit for yourself, I’m sure you will agree.
Reply from Mel Fynn, Manager at Childs Play Nursery School Ltd
Thank you for your kind words. It is wonderful to think that a happy start can create lasting memories and just as wonderful that as a family you realise that you still 'belong', even when you have…read more
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Review from Jay B (Father of Child) published on 21 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Childs Play nursery is simply outstanding. It’s a hidden gem amongst many of the other nurseries nearby. Our little one had an amazing time there. The staff truly go the extra mile for the children, getting to know each one as an individual. They work extremely hard to adapt to the children learning
their likes and dislikes, favourite foods (meals cooked fresh each day) and things to do. The equipment and teaching is first-rate. First and foremost we were never in doubt that our little one would be looked after and their well-being would be put first. The care and attention to detail really reflect in how our little one grew. Star of the week is where one child takes centre stage and shares things about themselves. A special cake which the children bake on their birthday, and when they leave. Getting the children to explore whatever the weather with activity led by themselves. I have no hesitation in recommending this outstanding nursery to all.
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Review from Ruth P (Mother of Child) published on 26 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Childs Play Nursery is an absolute gem that we feel incredibly lucky to have found. Having experienced numerous nurseries Childs PLay surpassed them all. The staff are the most caring and engaging people who loved our child and helped him develop in every way. A sensitive non-eater who has wild tantrums
became a talking, drawing, reading, french speaking, second-helping-at-lunch little boy. The nursery worked with us at every stage and always celebrated successes and didn't shy away from the challenges. We love childs play and are sad to be leaving.
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Review from Suzi G (Mother of Child) published on 26 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We knew at our first visit that Childs Play was the home-away-from-home environment we wanted. 5 years later with two daughters having been through Childs Play, I can’t recommend them enough.


The staff are amazing - caring attitudes backed by ongoing training/qualifications. The environment is

a wonderful balance of routine with daily fun explorations.


But it's the personal touches that make Childs Play rise above the rest – every birthday the children feel special by helping make a birthday cake to share with the other children. At Xmas, children make gingerbread men which ‘run away’ and send postcards from abroad, showing how different countries celebrate, before returning for the Xmas party. Older children take pride in helping the young ones adjust when they start. When they go to school, Childs Play puts on the best Leavers party. These are the big events, but every day there are these little touches which have made Childs Play a second home for our kids.

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Review from Paty P (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so pleased to be part of Childs Play Nursery School Ltd family. I see many settings due to professional and personal interest and this stood out instantly as our setting! The small size, the amazing outdoor space, the creative pedagogy and the thinking that goes into activities are all invaluable!
The owner and deputy ensure that staff have up-to-date training and involve children in international and multicultural projects, helping them see themselves as part of the world. The excellent staff retention reveals a happy working group, with staff’s personal style nurtured, while aligned with a common professional approach. The biggest testament is that children LOVE to be there; they just refuse to go home. Our amazing key person communicates so well with us in person and through the nursery detailed ‘red book’! My daughter adores this personal narrative. Childs Play is the ‘Childs Place to be’! Certainly a great start for my little one’s education and care.
Thank you!
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Review from Sandy L (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended the nursery since she was 2 years old - 2 years now! We immediately felt that it was a home away from home. The facilities are great, with the upgraded outdoor play area. So much to explore, with imaginative play, climbing frame/slide and a 'bicycle' garden. The resident bunny,
Smudge, is also quite special.


The yummy food is all made in the nursery kitchen, I know they cater for many dietary needs and I love that the new kitchen and children's dining area is integrated - making it feel homely, but also letting the children see the cook in action.


Our daughter has clearly learned a lot during her time at Child's Play and clearly thrives there.


What really stands out for us though is the nursery staff. Every worker shows genuine care for the children. Through a difficult time personally, the staff were very supportive and this really does feel like an extension of the family.


I would not hesitate to recommend Child's Play and already have my unborn child on the list.

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Review from Jessica (Mother of Child) published on 1 October 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to Childsplay Nursery since he was 2.5 and he absolutely loves it. We moved there after a bad experience in another nursery. It is a small nursery and has a home from home feel about it. Staff are absolutely great and they all do their job with passion. It is a very caring atmosphere
and they treat every child as an individual. At pick up the staff can give you a great handover of the day which shows that they pay attention to each child.


Our son comes home having learnt something new each day. And I am sure he will be well prepared for school.


They have two great gardens and spend a lot of time outdoors in all weathers.


They have a chef on site who prepares lovely meals and takes special food requirements into consideration. Even a fussy eater has started eating better because of the amazing food.


I cannot recommend this nursery enough. My younger son has been on the waiting list since he was born and we cannot wait for him to turn 2 so he can start there.

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Review from Laurence G (Father of Child) published on 11 September 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both our girls attended Child's Play from 2013 - 2018. I couldn't have wished for more, we tried nursery chains with their fast-changing staff turnover and farm like structures, and the Child's Play was recommended to us. We have complete peace of mind that they are safe when we leave them, and they
come home animated and excited about the day they have had. They don't usually advertise, and rely on word of mouth. They offer an outstanding service, with a homely atmosphere and a low level of staff turnover. The small quota and mixed ages ensure the children get lots of attention and the chance to interact with younger and older children. The nursery is run with efficiency, passion and a dedication that cannot be left to words alone, go and see it, they should charge more too.
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Review from Marianne P (Mother of Child) published on 6 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My first son went to this nursery after trying a number of nurseries in the local area. Childsplay nursery was like a breath of fresh air, it is well laid out, spacious but cosy and the outdoor areas are something else! My son thrived immediately and the staff understood his individual needs. My second
son is now there and its still pretty much the same staff! The nursery is family run, all staff are extremely friendly, capable, trustworthy and they truly enjoy looking after the kids and encourage learning through play. The staff handle bad behaviour in a very calm and fair way and support parents with any issues. They supported me throughout potty training with both my kids and helped me with their speech development. They have home-cooked meals every day in a lovely new kitchen extension and they also have healthy snacks throughout the day. I couldn't recommend this nursery enough! The staff are friendly, caring and the space is a little haven for kids & feels like a big family!
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Review from Milli (Mother of Child) published on 6 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two girls have been attending Child’s Play Nursery from the age of 3 and 2. One is now starting school and the other one is in year 1. I couldn’t recommend this nursery more. It truly provides a home from home for the children, it feels like a family led by a professional, dedicated and kind staff.
Most of the staff have been at the nursery for a very long time, making it possible for the children to form lasting relationships with their key person. But the children know all the staff very well, as they all play an important role at the nursery and it is the atmosphere that is created by all these different people over many years that makes it a nursery that is truly special.
The nursery has two gardens, one used in the morning with lots of bicycles, scooters etc. and one magical one used in the afternoon with lots of shade provided by trees,
Throughout the year the nursery has many seasonal highlights, from celebrating world book day, red nose day, to a fantastic Christmas party.
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Review from Sophie M-K (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Would highly recommend this nursery - when searching I looked at about 9 different nurseries and when I saw Childs Play I knew straight away. I love the way the nursery is set up (garden and rooms etc), I like that it is a small intimate nursery where you feel your child is safe and there are not too
many children. I had a great feeling about the staff as well and now having had my child attend for over a year and a half, my feeling was right. The staff are amazing, they put time into the children's education as well as play and I feel my child has learned so much since she started here. The nursery recently invested in a new garden which is beautiful and again great for the kids learning about outdoor activities and nature etc. This nursery gets 5 stars from me!
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Review from Maher S (Father of Child) published on 3 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is truly the best nursery. We have three kids and two have already graduated from Childs Play. Our third we hope will also follow in their siblings' footsteps.
All staff are friendly and very hands on. The owner is an amazing lady who cares for the children very much and this is reflected in her
employees. There are a lot of nurseries around but Childs Play is a family nursery, your kids are Part of that family and always will be. Your biggest investment is your kids and they need to have the right start in life, to us, Childs Play has been the right start.
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Review from Cecilie (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Best nursery in Surbiton! Living in Surbiton and having two children, we tried a few nurseries before being told about what I can only call; the hidden gem in Surbiton!


The staff are amazing, they truly care about your child - and the fact that my children are always too busy having fun at pick

up time and do not want to leave - speaks volumes. The setting is calm with limited children, which makes Childsplay a home away from home just with more friends to play with! The food is freshly cooked every day, and the kitchen setting is an amazing, open and airy well-lit space, with large windows leading into the garden. There are two outside play areas, both well looked after and great adventure playgrounds for the children.


This place is special. There is a reason why they never advertise - word of mouth from very very happy parents do that for them!! I would go as far as to say I would happily pay more to send my children here.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.994)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.994) out of 10 for Childs Play Nursery School Ltd is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.994 for Childs Play Nursery School Ltd is calculated as follows: ( (167 Excellents x 5) + (1 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 168 Ratings = 4.994
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Childs Play Nursery School Ltd is based on 14 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 20 number of registered child places is 4, which has been reached with 14 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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